University alumnus hosts art exhibition at Illini Union

A University alumnus is showcasing his paintings and reuniting with his lifelong friend after the two collaborated with each other on three paintings from across the world. The Illini Union is hosting upcoming solo art exhibition at the Illini Union Art Gallery from Thursday through Jan. 31.

Howard Kanter, an alumnus from the class of ‘91, will be running this event and exposing his artwork to the public.

Kanter and his friend Steve Sager had an art show at the Union Gallery 30 years ago. Sager lives in Japan, but the two continuously send works to each other, no matter how far they are.

The three paintings that will be featured in the art exhibition are what Kanter calls “Ager-Anters,” a combination of Kanter’s and Sager’s last names.

Kanter’s art themes have focused on his surroundings and the the roads trips he has taken with his children. For this theme, Kanter is focusing on how “successful work is not what you paint, it’s about how it’s painted.”

“We didn’t feel like we had to wear black and berets so we would title things in the most ridiculous ways,” Kanter said. “The collabs are about that. It’s about being silly with your best friend…”

Kanter wants to have University students from all colleges visit the exhibition to bring in the arts to students of all majors.

“Even if you’re an engineering major, you should stop and pause to appreciate what’s around you,” Kanter said.